Japan provides $1.6 million for Rohingya humanitarian services

The government of Japan has allocated approximately USD 1.6 million (JPY 250 million) to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s efforts aimed at establishing basic living conditions and health care services, as well as improving livelihoods among the Rohingya refugees and host community in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.

An exchange of notes was signed by Mr SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Ms Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said a spokesperson of the Japanese Embassy on Tuesday.

The contribution by the government of Japan through UNHCR this time will support refugees’ access to adequate housing, primary healthcare services and livelihood empowerment.

Rohingya refugees rely entirely on humanitarian assistance for protection, food, water, shelter and health. With Bangladesh ranking third in the world among states most hit by natural disasters, Rohingya refugees are highly exposed to weather-related hazards, such as cyclones, flooding and landslides.

In line with the Joint Response Plan, the Japan-UNHRC joint project will support the government of Bangladesh in alleviating the pressure on the Bangladeshi host community and in responding to the needs of Rohingya refugees.

The project will improve refugees’ well-being on Bhasan Char and in Cox’s Bazar through the construction of improved shelters, procurement of critical medical supplies, and by providing skills development and livelihood opportunities.

During the signing ceremony at the UNHCR office in Dhaka, Mr SAIDA Shinichi said, “This agreement and contribution from Japan to UNHCR comes at a critical time, when fundraising for the Rohingya refugee response is essential. This project will help empowering and improving refugees’ well-being on Bhasan Char and in Cox’s Bazar, while alleviating the pressure on the Bangladeshi host community. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions for this humanitarian crisis and will keep cooperating with international organizations such as UNHCR.”

Ms Sumbul Rizvi stated "UNHCR is grateful for Japan’s support towards Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people and Government hosting them. As Rohingya refugees remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, this solidarity and advocacy from the Japan’s government and its people are crucial to ensure that their plight is not forgotten.”

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